Why do I need stable bedding?
Bedding will keep the horse warm and encourage him to lie down and take the weight off his legs and relax.
It will minimise the risk of injury, preventing the horse slipping when moving around.
Ammonia fumes are absorbed in the bedding and bedding also encourages staling.
Many horses will not stale on the concrete due to the splashing.
What types of bedding are available?
Straw bedding and wood shavings are traditional bedding.
Wheat straw is hard wearing and considered the best type of straw bedding, as it is less palatable so ideal for the greedy pony.
Barley and oat straw is more palatable.
Horses often eat this type of stable bedding.
Other bedding available is flax, wood chippings, wood shavings, shredded paper and cardboard, and also hemp horse bedding.
When purchasing sawdust and wood shavings locally, make sure they are free from dust and foreign bodies.
What type of stable bedding should I use?
Bedding varies in price.
Will the stable bedding you want be available all year round?
Will the bedding be suitable for the horse?
If the horse has a respiratory problem or allergy it will need dust free bedding and access to fresh air.
You will also need to consider what sort of bedding is suitable for the stable.
If the stable has drains you will need bedding that will not block up the drains.
The moisture needs to run away into the drain.
Will the bedding be easy to dispose of and is it legal. (Council regulations)
Some livery yards will only allow certain types of bedding as others are not suitable for the land or take longer to decompose.
You need to consider the palatability of the bedding, as it is often hard to control the weight of certain horses when they are munching away all night at the bedding.
Rubber horse mating
Rubber matting is quite expensive to buy but very cost effective and easy to assemble.
Some types can be used without bedding or may only need a small amount to absorb and encourage staling.
Rubber matting also reduces the time spent mucking out.
It should only be laid on a smooth surface following the manufacturers guidelines.
Rubber matting can also be used on walls to protect horses and keep in the warmth.
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